9 May 2007
The state of West Virginia has committed to installing the video game "Dance Dance Revolution" in all 765 of its public schools by next year.
Why?
Because school officials across the country are finding it a useful weapon in the battle against childhood obesity. In fact, more than 10 states now employ the video game, where players dance on a pad and follow flashing directional cues to keep up with on the on-screen choreography, as part of their physical education curriculum.
Proponents of the game cite recent studies pointing to the increased levels of energy expended by kids playing Dance Dance Revolution. But that increase, it should be noted, is measured in comparison to the levels of energy expended by kids watching television or playing ordinary video games.
Other supporters praise the non-competitive nature of the game as a way to include and motivate students who otherwise might be left out of traditional athletic endeavors.
Clearly, anything that gets kids off the couch and moving their bodies -- when the alternative would be to let their bodies and minds go on autopilot -- can't be all bad. But getting kids outside for physical exercise and unstructured play will pay dividends far beyond the modest increase in heart rate this video game can offer. (For more on this, see the previous Green Hour blog post "The Coming Recess Revolution.")
For more information, see this recent New York Times article: P.E. Classes Turn to Video Game That Works Legs.
